Virat Kohli could come out of retirement from Test cricket if India suffer a heavy defeat in the upcoming five-match series in England, said former Australia captain Michael Clarke. Kohli, who retired from the longest format last month after playing 123 Tests and scoring 9,230 runs.
Clarke believed that the batter could be persuaded to return if the Indian team struggles and is urged to come back by the selectors and management. The former captain of the Indian team last played in Australia, where he suffered a terrible time Down Under.
“If India go to England and get flogged—say they lose the series 5-0—I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement,” Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast. “And honestly, if he’s asked by the captain, selectors, and is supported by fans, I think he’ll come back. He still loves Test cricket.”
The 35-year-old had fulfilled a long-time dream of winning the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru just weeks before announcing his retirement from Tests. Yet, Kohli made it clear that Test cricket still ranked far higher in personal value.
Clarke noted that India would miss both Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who also announced his retirement from the format ahead of the England tour, but backed the younger generation led by new captain Shubman Gill.
“Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket. Tactically, he was a brilliant captain. Virat Kohli walks away—devastating. Test cricket will miss him,” Clarke said.
